Machine for sealing and stamping envelopes



July 28, 1925. 1,547,537

M. VIDAVER MACHINE FOR SEALING AND STAMPING ENYELOPES Filed March '7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVEN OR M 7 BY (Q 22 ATTO RN EY July 28, 1925.

M. VIDAVER MACHINE FOR SEALING AND STAMPING ENVELQPES Filed March 7, 1924 4 Sheetsheet 2 2* 0,01,11,- ATTORNEY July 28, 1925.

M. VIDAVER MACHINE FOR SEALING AND STAMPING ENVELOPES Filed March '7. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Wm WM ATTORNEY 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 M. VIDAVER MACHINE FOR SEALING AND STAMPING ENVELOPES Filed March July 28, 1925.

lNVENTOR Z ATTORNEY fin @I: 111$.

w) ment of the envelope.

Patented July 28, 1925. v r r I Y Y UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MAXWELL VIDAVER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO VIDAVEB. MAILING MA- CHINE CORPORATION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

IVIACHINE FOR SEALING AND STAMPING ENVELOPES.

Application filed March 7, 1824. Serial No. 697,632.

To all whom it may concern- Be it known that I, MAXWELL VIDAVER, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Scaling and Stamping Envelopes, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. i

This invention relates to improvements in sealing and stamp or label aflixing' machines, and more especially with reference to some of its features, to improvements in machines for sealing articles of inail matter and aflixing stamps thereto adapted to continuously and progressively feed't'he envelopes or like matter during the sealing and stamp affixing operations.

It is the general object of the invention to improve and simplify machines of the class mentioned so as to increase the reliability and convenience'thereof in service, to increase its output and length of dependable service, and to reduce production and operation costs. I

A further object is the provision of a machine of the class mentioned for continuously and progressively feeding an envelope or the like during the sealing and stamp affixing operations and having improved feeding mechanisms controlled automatically independently of the feeding move- I Another object is to provide in a machine of the class mentioned, improved mechanisms for moistening and sealing the gummed flap of the envelopes and for moistening and affixing the stamps.

Other objects will be in part pointed out in connection with the following detailed description of an illustrative but preferred embodiment of the invention, and will be in part obvious in connection therewith.

'The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of theapplt cation of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a complete disclosure of the nature and objects of the invention, reference is had to the following detailed description and to the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodimentof the invention, and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation thereof looking toward the left end of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the machine, operative parts being partially diagrammatic for clearness and convenience of illustration;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation looking toward the rightof Fig. 1 showing the stamp feeding mechanism, parts being shown in section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 5, and parts being removed for clearness of disclosure;

Still another object is to provide, for machines of the class mentioned, an improved stamp carrying mechanism controlled and synchronized by manual means so as to assure stamp delivery at a correct period for affixing the stamp to an envelope advanced by a feeding mechanism.

Another object is to provide, for machine of the class mentioned, an improved driving mechanism which is automatically controlled by an envelope to start or stop the machine.

Another object is the provision in a machine of the class mentioned of an improved mechanism for varying the number of stamps aflixed to each envelope.

A further object is to provide an improved differential mechanism for detaching a predetermined number of stamps from a stamp strip.

View showing the stamp feeding mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section taken approximately on the line 66 of Fig. and showing in elevation certain parts of the stamp feeding mechanism Fig. 7 is a detail view of a part of the releasing mechanism for the delivery means of the stamp feed;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged plan View showing the flap deflecting and moistening means;

' Fig. 9 is a section approximately on the line 99 of Fig. 8;

view showing the stamp feeding means, parts being broken away for clearness of disclosure;

shown in elevation and the showing being Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional Fig. is an enlarged vertical sectional vention there shown, the frame is indicated generally at 15 and the operatingparts of the mechanism are mounted in this frame. The feed table 16 is spaced'abovethe base plate of the frame, being preferablyarranged in horizontal position between the side walls of the frame and a driving motor M and certain of the driving connections are mounted in the space below this feed table.

The envelope feed.

Envelope feed rolls are preferably employed for feeding the envelopes over the feed table and these preferably include upper rolls 17 mounted on shafts 18 and cooperatinglower rolls 19 mounted on shafts 20, the bites between the cooperating upper and lower rolls being arranged substantially in the plane of the feed table so as to receive and grip the envelopes when advanced over the table. It is convenient to employ three pairs or sets-of these feed rolls but a greater or less number may be employed as conditions or difiering character of work may require. The pair of rolls at the front or leading end of the machine are arranged toward the left side of the feed table as shown in Fig. 1 so as to feed anyon-velope during the moistening and sealing operations, while the other two pairs of rolls may be arranged in longitudinal alignment with each other toward the opposite edge of the feed table to grip and feed the envelope during the stamp affixing operation. The roll shafts 18 project through upright elongated slots in the side plates of the machine frame so as to permit slight upward and downward movement of the upper rolls to accommodate the reception ofgenvelopes of different thicknesses. may be geared to the lower rolls so as to be positively driven by the latter, intermeshing toothed gear wheels 21 being preferably employed for this purpose.

' For positively driving the lower feed rolls belts or sprocket chains are provided driven from a main driving shaft 22. This shaft constitutes the main drive shaft for the various operative elements of the machine and is connected to be drivenfrom a source of power from which transmission of power may be controlled in operation to effect the various functions of envelope feeding and sealing and stamp carrying and affixing; to illustrate this feature of the invention the main power shaft is shown as The upper rolls Envelope moiste'ni'ng and sealing.

The envelope flap moistening and sealmg mechanism(seeFrgs. 1, 8 and 9 nclude a flap separator or deflector 1n the form of a plate 25 having a curved leading:

edge or nose lying close to the feed table 18 and adapted to engage under the fiap'of the advancing envelope to raise or separate it from the body of the envelepe. In this connection it will be noted that each envelope is fed into the machine with its flap upward :lying in natural or sealing position against the body of the envelope, The enve'lope is introduced to the machine with the flap-attached edge lying against and guided by the guide plate 26, and asthe envelope advances the flap is separated fromthe body thereof by the upwardly inclining surface of the plate 25. The gumined under side of the flap is moistened by means of a moisture carrying pad or belt 27 preferably of absorbent materiahfiand :mounted' for movement transversely of the direction of envelope advancement being. guided and supported in a transverse channel plate 28 lying just above the feed table 16. The rear or followingedge of the separator plate 25 preferably overlies and is attached .to the channel guide plate 28, the upper reach .of the belt lying above the separator 25, while the lower reach lies in the channel of the guide plate. A guiding and pressing plate 29 shown as attached to the plate 26 and having spaced parts with forward rounded noses, overlies ltllB advancing flap adjacent the transversely moving moistening belt thus assisting in pressing the gummed surface of the flap intocontact with the moistening belt assuring effective anoistening of the gummed flap. A downwardly inclined deflector in the form of a plate 30, shown as attached to the guide plate 26, is arranged to engage theenvelope flap as it passes from the moistening pad, pressing down against the body of the envelope to initiate .the sealing thereof; :the sealing is completed when the intermediate feed ro'lls 17 engage the envelope and press the flap firmly into sealing position upon the body thereof. i

The 1noisteningbe1t 27 passes .over and is driven by a pulley :31 mounted for rotation in. a moisture receptacle 82 .so as to carry the belt into the moisture-carried by the receptacle. The belt pulley 31 is driven through a shaft andbevel gear connection 33 and a chain belt 34: from the main driving shaft 22. The moistening beltpasses from the pulley 31 to the channel guide plate 28 over guiding bars or rolls 35 and over a roll or smoothed bar 36 disposed at the forward end of the guide plate. One or both of the guide bars or rolls 85 may be adjustable as by means of screws 37 so as to vary the pressure on the belt passing thereover and in this manner to press or otherwise remove more or less of the moisture from the belt so as to vary the moistening effect on the gummed flap. Any moisture that may fall from the forward part of the belt will be received 'in the channel of the guide plate 28 and conducted back into the receptacle 32.

In some instances it may be advantageous to employ an envelope guide plate opposed to the guide plate 26, and for this purpose a plate 38 is provided being secured for lateral adjustment to the feed table 16 bymeans of a screw 89. This plate is shown extending beyond the leading feed rolls and as having a recess in its under side for the reception of said rolls as it may be desirable in some classes of work to guide the envelopes beyond the forward feed rolls.

In some instances it may be desirable to apply an adhesive in liquid form instead of moistening a gummed flap, as above referred to, and the belt may be utilized to carry and apply such liquid adhesive which may be contained in the receptacle 32. The erm moistening, when employed in both the specification and claims, and in connection with both the sealing and stamp affixing mechanisms will be understood as comprehending both of these methods of rendering the flaps or the stamps adhesive.

Stamp carrying and afiim'ng mechanism.

The stamps are carried from a source of supply, preferably a perforated strip of stamps, moistened and affixed to the envelope without interruption to progress of the latter through the machine. A mechanism for the accomplishn'ient of this feature is best shown in Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 11 of the drawing, and includes what may be termed the stamp feed and moistening mech anism shown at the right in Figs. 5 and 10,

and the stamp delivery mechanism for delivery of the stamps to the feed mechanism as required for affixing to the envelopes, and shown at the left of these figures.

The stamp feed and moistening mechanism includes cooperating upper and lower gripping rolls 40, a grooved stamp carrying wheel 41, and a belt 42 passing over a medial groove in the lower roll 40, over the carrying wheel 41 andover an upper pulley 43 mounted for rotation just below the feed table. For maintaining proper tension at all times on the feed belt 42 it is desirable to provide a belt tensioning device such as indicated at 44 in Figs. 5 and 10. The stamp feed belt is driven from the lower roll which is carried by a shaft 45 (see Fig. '3) driven by a chain belt 46 from a counter shaft 47, the latter being driven from the main driving shaft22 through intermeshing toothed gears 48 mounted upon the respective shafts. As best shown in Figs. 10 and 11 the carrying wheel 41 is mounted with its periphery lying adjacent to that of a moistening wheelor roller 49 having a deep groove intermediate its ends, lying opposite to the wheel 41 and adapted to receive the carrying belt 42. The wheel 41 and moistening roll 49 are arranged with their peripheries lying approximately tangent tothe same plane, the roll, dipping into the compartment of a moisture receptacle 50' which for convenience in filling may extend beyond the side frame of the machine as indicated in Figs. 1 and 6. The moistening roll may, if desirable, be faced with moisture carrying material. Spring pressure plates 51 are mounted to lie adjacent the moistening surfaces of the roll 49, being adapted for pressing the aflixing surfaces of the stamps into firm engagement with the moistening surface of the roll. At the delivery end of the stamp feed mechanism deflecting plates 52 are mounted adjacent to the belt pulley 43 to catch the stamps as delivered from the carrying wheel and guide and direct them between a pair of stamp receiving rolls 53 with bite arranged substantially in alignment with the bites of the envelope feed rolls and mounted on shafts 54, the lower of which is positively driven through a sprocket wheel 55 by the feed roll driving belt 24 (see Figs. 1 and As best shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 1 0, the stamp delivery mechanism, for delivering the stamps from a supply source to the stamp feed mechanism proper, includes gripping mechanism, preferably cooperating gripping rolls 56, one or both of which may be provided with serrated surfaces and the lower one being peripherally grooved for the reception of a guide plate 57 for directing a strip of stamps into the bite of the rolls. These rolls are mounted on roll shafts carried by a frame 58 and are geared together by toothed gears 59 mounted on the respective shafts. The delivery rolls are driven from a counter shaft 47 by a sprocket chain 60 through a slip clutch connection on an extending end of the roll shaft 61. As shown in Fig. 4 this is preferably a friction clutch provided by a sprocket wheel 62 rotatably mounted on shaft 61 and frictionally gripped between the non-rotatable collar 63 and the spring pressed washer 64. An externally disposed hand knob 65 may be provided for manually feeding the stamps or adjusting the stamp strip in position. The stamps are carried in a storing fix receptacle preferably a roll S and are conveniently formed in perforated strip S arranged for unwinding from the roll S.

.The delivery rolls are provided with. a retarding or stop mechanism including, as shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 12, a toothed wheel 66 having .a smooth periphery with teeth indented therein, and a. cooperating pivotal pawl 67 which may, as shown, be controlled by means of an electro magnet 68. A supplemental toothed member 69 as shown in Fig. 12 is slidably mounted upon the shaft 61 having a peripheral toothed rim adapted to encompass thetoothed member 66 for cooperation with thepawl 67. The member 69 is also provided with a smooth periphery and in the embodiment shown a single tooth 69 is indented therein.

ComroZZz'ng mechanism.

It is found advantageous to start the envelope and stamp feeding mechanism when an envelope is introduced into the machine, and to stop the same when an envelope passes from the machine beyond the last pair of feed rolls 17 and 1.9. For accomplishing this feature a simple and convenient mechanismis employed including a switch for controlling the motor M and magnet 68. This switch is operated through controlling mechanism including transverse shatts 71 mounted in the side plates of the machine frame and shown as disposed above the feed table 16, each shaft carrying one or more downwardly and forwardly inclined arn s 72.. These shafts 71 are arranged in series and are interconnected for actuation in unison by means of a link 73 connected to corresponding ends of arms 74 car ied by the respective shafts. The movable element of the switch is connected for actuation by one of the shafts 71 and the controlling mechanism is biased as by means of a spring to normally urge the switch 7 O to position to open the motor and magnet circuitsl As shown in the diagrammatic view of Fig. 13 it will be seen that closure of the switch 70 connects the motor and magnet 68 to receive energy from the supply source indicated at B.

Operation.

. held by the operator, the leading edge of the envelope encounters the first s vitch operating arm 72 raising it slightly from the position shown in Fig. 3 and closing the muse? by manual means prior to envelope advancement and automatically through the instru mentality of the envelope as the latter is introduced into the machine. WVhen the motor starts power is transmitted to the main driving shaft 22 and the entire machine, including both envelope and stamp feed mechanisms, is thereby set in 0 aeration and the leading rorll's 117 and 19 grip the envelope to advance it into the machine.

The rounded forward :nose of, the flap separator 25 engages beneath the iflap of the envelope carrying it up over the moistening pad or belt 27 where it is moistened, the sealing then beingaccomplished as described above. 1 The successive switch operating arms 72 are close enough together so one or more of them is always in contact with the advancing envelope, and the machine therefore continues the cycle of operation to advance the envelope continuously and pro gressivelythrough the machine, the cycle being terminated when the envelope leaves the last arms 72, the switch 70 then autolatically moving to open position. due to the biasing of the switch operating mechanism. Each envelope will be ejected from the machine before a follow ing o ne is intro duced, the machine operating with rapidity for this purpose, and consequently the motor and magnet circuits will be broken between the introduction of successive envelopes.

Prior to the introduction f'each envelope into the'machine "the stamp strip s will normally be gripped between rolls 56 projecting somewhat beyond the bite as indicated in Fig. 10-. If the strip is not engaged and projecting as required it may be manually adjusted by means ofthe knob 65. The

pawl 67 is biased by gravity or otherwise to;

disengage the toothed ratchet wheel 66 but is moved intoengaging positiontherewith 'when the magnet 68 is energizedwvhich occurs when the switch 70 is closed as described. Upon magnet energization the nose of the pawl is drawn into engagement with the smooth periphery of the ratchet wheel 66 or 69 just beyond a tooth, but engages with a tooth as the ratchet wheel, is advanced, thus allowing a predetermined advancement of the strip before the delivery rolls 56 are checked. 1 This movement is sufr ficient to advance one or more stamps the forward edges of which are introduced into the grip of feed rolls 40 which it will be remembered are continuously in operation during the operation of the machine, Rolls 40 and 56 normally feed the stamps atabout rolls resulting in the exertion of a pull upon the stamp strip and severing one or more stamps along a perforation of the strip. It will be seen that the length of strip delivered by rolls 56 may be varied by moving the slidably mounted toothed wheel 69 having a different number of ratchet teeth to encompass the ratchet wheel 66 and into position to cooperate with the pawl 67, since these wheels are provided with different numbers of teeth so as to permit different angular advancement of the rolls 56 before checking by the pawl takes place. lVhen .the rolls 56 are thus checked, continued ad-v tion for a short period after the power is cut off carrying the ratchet wheel 66 or 69 forward sli htly so as to bring the tooth last engaged out of position for re-engagement with the pawl when the magnet is next energized This'relative position of pawl and ratchet wheel is indicated in Fig. 13 and permits the predetermined advancement of stamp strip above referred to. It will be observed that the slip clutch 62, 63 permits retardation of the deliveryrolls 56 when the pawl 67 becomes inoperative but becomes immediately effective to advance these rolls when the pawl is disengaged. At this point it may be well to especiallynote the fact that the envelope feed mechanism and the stamp carrying mechanism including the stamp delivery rolls are continuously connected for operation by the main drive shaft there being no intermediate connecting and disconnecting driving connections or clutches with the exception of the simple slip clutch mechanism for effecting retardation of the delivery rolls 56.

Upon or just prior to the severance of a stamp from the strip as described the severed stampis gripped along a medial zone or strip between the carrying wheel 41 and belt 12, the projecting edges of the stamp presenting horizontal strips or zones of the gummed surfaces which are pressed firmly into contact with the moistening surfaces of the rolls 49 by means of the spring pressure plates 51. It will be observed that the adhesive parts of the stamps do not contact at all with the carrying wheel or belt, so no gumming or corrosion of these or other parts of the machine takes place. The sev= ered stamp is shown at S in Figs. 10 and 11 as gripped by the carrying wheel and belt and with the gummed marginal surfaces thereof pressed into contact, with the moistening rolls by means of the spring plates 51. The stamp is carried to the upper side of the carrying wheel where, guided by plates 52, it is introduced between the stamp receiving rolls 53 and pressed into contact with the advancing envelope. lVhen the stamp reaches the point for afiixing, both it and the envelope are advancing at the same rate there being no retardation of the feeding movement of either. v The stamp .is additionally pressed into position to assure firm contact by means of the last pair of feeding rolls 17, 19.

By means, of the mechanism described it will be noted that the envelope feed and stamp carrying mechanism are. synchronized so both stamp and envelope arrive at rolls 53 at a time so the stamp is applied to the desired zone of the envelope. Inasmuch as operation of the entire machine is initiated when an envelope is introduced and terminated when the envelope leaves the machine, it will be observed that the machine remains idle excepting at such timesas it is performing an operation on an envelope, thereby avoiding useless wear and tear upon the machine and wasting of energy.

Although the invention has been described above with special reference to a machine for operating'upon mail matter it will be obvious that it is applicable to other classes of work where it is desired to accomplish a sealing operation or a stamp or label affixing operation, or both of these functions. It will be understood therefore, that the terms mail matter, envelope, stamp and similar terminology as employed in the foregoing description and in the claims, are used in a generic sense and are intended to comprehend instances of equivalent usage. where other articles are operated upon by the machine and other than stamps affined thereto. Also it will be clear that the invention comprehends sealing alone, .and stamp aflixing alone, each independent of the other, but the two functions are advantageously combined for execution in a single continuous operation as in the machine set forth.

Sincecertain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made with out departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in -the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of Patent, is;

the scope of theinvention, which, as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

= the mail matter, means for feeding stamps for application to said mail matter, means for operating saidstamp feeeding means,

and means operable by an article of mail matter prior to advancement thereotlby sa d mail matter feeding means to control operation of'said stamp feeding means.

2. In a sealing and stamping machine, 1n

combination, means forfeeding articles of mail matter or the like, means forsealing i the mail matter, means for feeding stamps for application to said mail matter, means for operating said stamp feeding means,

and means operable manually by an article of mail matter to initiate operation of both of said feeding means,

' 3. In aseallng and stamping mach ne, n

combination, means for feeding articles of mail matter or the like, means for sealing the mail matter, means for feeding stamps and affixing them to said mall matter, means for operating said feeding means, means operable manually through the mail matter to initiate operation of both of said feeding means, and means to terminate automatically the operation thereof" after completion of the sealing and stamp aflia ingoperations.

4. In a sealing and stamping machine, in combination, means for feeding articles of mail matter or the like, means for sealing the mail matter, means for feeding and aflixing stamps to said mail matter, an electric motor for driving said machine including the article feeding means and" the stamp feeding and aff xing means, and switchinech- "anism operable by an article of mail matter to start and stop sa id motor.

5. In a sealing and stamping machine, in combination, means for feeding articles of mail matter or the like, means forsealing the mail matter, means f or feeding and aiiix- 111g stamps to said mail matter, an electric motor foi drivingsaid machine including the article feeding means and stampfecding and aflixing means, and switch mechanism operableby an article of mail matter when inserted into the machine and prior to advancement thereof by said mail matter feeding means to start said motor.

' 6; In" aseali-ng andstamping machine, in combinatiomnieans for feeding articles of motorfor driving said machine, and'switch mechanism operable by an article of, mail matter when inserted into the machine and prior to, advancement thereof by sa1d mall matter feeding means to start said motor,

said switch mechanism being also controlled by automatic means to stop the motor upon completion of the sealing and stamping operations. i

7 In a machine of the character described, a

in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps being continuously operative during operation ofthe envelope feeding means, means for delivering the stamps to said stamp feeding means, and

latter is in position to befed thereby, and

means for terminatingsaid operativeness when the article is expelled from the machine npon completion of a cycle of operations; l i

9: In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for feeding an article of mail matter or the like, means for initiating operativenessof said feeding means through theinstrumentality of the article as the latter is introduced into the machine but prior to feeding thereof by said feeding means and means for maintaining such feeding means operative to feed the article when the latter is in position to be fed thereby and for terminatingsuch operativeness 'When the articleis beyond such feedingposition.

10. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for feeding articles of mail matter'orthe like, means for driving said feeding means, and means controlled by an article of mail matter for initiating operation of said driving means to drive said feeding means.

' 11,111 a machine of the character described, in combination, means for feeding articles of mail matter or the; like, means for ClIlVlIlg said feeding means, and means con trolled by an article of mail matter When introduced into the feeding means for initiating operation of said d'rivingn'leans to drive said feed means, and means for rendering said driving means inoperable to drive said feed means when the article passes therebeyond. mailmatter-orthe like, means for sealing 12. In a machine of the character described, 1n combination, means for advancmg an envelope continuously through said machine, and a ino stenlng pad movable transversely of envelope advancement and adapted to Wipe across the gummed face of the envelope flap.

13. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for advanc ing an envelope with its gummed flap lying against the face thereof substantially in sealing position, means for deflecting said flap during envelope advancement, and a moistening pad movable transversely of envelope advancement and adapted to Wipe across the gummed face of said flap.

14. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for advancing an envelope through the machine, and an endless moisture carrying belt extending into a moisture receptacle and adapted to move transversely of envelope advancement and to Wipe across the gummed face of the envelope flap.

15. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for advancing an envelope through the machine, an endless moisture carrying belt extending into a moisture receptacle and adapted to move transversely of envelope advancement and to Wipe across the gummed face of the envelope flap, and an adjusting means to vary the amount of moisture held by said belt.

16. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for advancing an envelope With its gummed flap lying against the face thereof substantially 1n sealing position, a deflector adapted to separate said flap from the envelope during envelope advancement, and a movable moisture holding pad adjacent the trailing edge of said deflector and adapted to Wipe across the gummed flap of the envelope.

17. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for advancing an envelope With its gummed flap lying against the face thereof substantially in sealing position, a deflector adapted to separate said flap from the envelope during envelope advancement, a movable moisture holding pad adjacent the trailing edge of said deflector and adapted to Wipe across the gummed flap of the envelope, and an inclined deflecting platebeyond said pad for pressing down the moistened flap.

18. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps for attachment to the envelopes, means for delivering stamps from a supply source to said stamp feeding means, and manual means controlled individually for delivery of a stamp to said stamp feeding means for each envelope.

19. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps for attachment to the envelopes, means for delivering stamps from a supply source to said stamp feeding means, and automatic manually controlled means operable at intervals for checking delivery of stamps by said delivery means. I

20. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps for attachment to the envelopes, means for delivering stamps from a supply source to said stamp feeding means, means controlled manually individually for each envelope for checking delivery of stamps by said delivery means, and after engagement of a stamp by said stamp feed means so as to detach a stamp from a stamp strip.

21. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps for attachment to the envelopes, gripping rolls operating to deliver stamps from a supply strip to said feeding mechanism, and means controlled manually individually for each envelope for checking operation of said gripping rolls at intervals to interrupt stamp delivery. p

22. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps for at tachment to the envelopes, gripping rolls operating to deliver stamps from a supply strip to said feeding mechanism, and means including a yielding coupling for checking operation of said gripping rolls after a stamp is engaged bysaid stamp feeding means, whereby to effect detachment of a stamp from the supply strip;

In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps being continuously operative during operation of the envelope feeding means, means for delivering the stamps to saidstamp feeding means, and means controlled manually for synchronizing, individually for each envelope, the stamp delivery to the stamp feeding means.

24:. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps being continuously operative during operation of the envelope feeding means, means for delivering the stamps to said stamp feeding means, means controlled automatically for control ling stamp delivery to the stamp feeding means, and means also controlled by the envelope for controlling operation of said envelope and stamp feeding means.

25. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for feeding stamps being con tinuously operative during operation of the envelope feeding means, means for delivering the stamps to said stamp feeding means, means controlled manually for controlling stamp delivery to the stamp feeding means, and means controlled automatically for initiating and terminating operation of said envelope and stamp feeding means.

26. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, means for delivering stamps to said stamp feeding means, and an electro-magnetic checking device controlled automatically to interrupt delivery of stamps to said stamp feeding means.

27. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, means for delivering stamps from a supply strip to said stamp feeding means, and a retarding device controlled manually individually for each envelope to automatically interrupt advancement of the strip after engagement thereof by the stamp feeding means, the latter remaining operative so as to detach the stamp from said supply strip.

28. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, means including gripping rolls for delivering stamps from a supply strip to saidstamp feeding means, means for operating said rolls and ing gripping rolls for delivering stamps from a supply strip to said stamp feeding means, means for operating said rolls, a checking device for said rolls to interrupt advancement of the supply strip after engagement thereof by the stamp feeding means, the latter remainingoperative so as to detach a stamp from said supply strip, and a yielding coupling for said roll operating means to permit the rolls to lag therebehind when said roll retarding device becomes effective.

30. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, means including gripping rolls for delivering stamps from a supply strip to said stamp feeding means, means for operating said rolls, anda checking device for said rolls adapted to be set automatically and becoming efiective after a predetermined advancement of said rolls to interrupt or check further advancement of the strip after engagement thereof by the stamp feeding means, the latter remaining operative so as to detach a stampfrom said strip.

31. In a machine of the characterdescribed, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, meansincluding gripping rolls fordelivering stamps tomatically to interrupt delivery of stamps to said stamp feeding means.

32. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a stamp feeding means adapted to grip a stamp and carry it into position for affixing to an envelope or the like, gripping rolls for delivery of stamps from a supply source to said feeding means, and means controlled manually individually for each envelope for checking movement of said rolls after a stamp has been gripped by said feeding means to sever it from said supply source. a r

' 33. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, stamp feeding means, means including gripping rolls for delivering stamps from a supply strip to said stamp feeding means, means for operating said rolls, a checking device for said rolls adapted to be set for operation andbecoming effective after a predetermined advancement of said rolls to interrupt or check furtheradvancement of the strip after engagement thereof by the stamp feeding means, the latter remaining operative so as t0 detach a stamp from said strip, and means to adjust said checking device so as to displace the period of interruption and thereby to vary the number of stamps detached.

34. In adevice ofthe character described, in combination, stamp feedin'gmeans adapt ed to grip a stamp and carry it into position for affixing to an envelope or the like, gripping rolls for delivery of stamps from a supply source to said feeding means, and means for initiating a differential action of said feeding means and said gripping rolls upon delivery by said rolls of a predetermined number of stamps. V

35. In a device of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding means adapted to grip a stamp and carry it into position for affixing to an envelope or the like, gripping rolls for delivery ofstamps from a supply source to said feeding means, means for feeding an envelope in said machine, and means controlled automatically for initiating a differential action of said stamp feeding means and said gripping rolls upon delivery by said rolls of a predetermined num ber ofstamps.

36. In a device of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding means adapted to grip a stamp and carry it into position for affixing to an envelope or the like, gripping rolls for delivery of stamps from a supply source to said feeding means, means for initiating a differential action of said feeding means and said gripping rollsupon amps? delivery by said rolls of a predetermined number of stamps, and means for varying the period of initiation of said differential action to control the number of stamps delivered by said rolls prior to said initiation period.

37. In a device of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding means adapted to grip a stamp and carry it into position for affixing to an envelope or the like, gripping rolls for delivery of stamps from a supply source to said feeding means, means for feeding an envelope in said machine, means controlled automatically for initiating a differential action of said stamp feet ing means and saidgripping rolls upon delivery by said rolls of a predetermined I number of stamps, and means for varying the period of initiation of said differential action to control the number of stamps delivered by said rolls prior to said initiation period. A

38. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding means including gripping rolls, means including gripping rolls for delivering stamps to said first mentioned gripping rolls, means for operating said rolls, means for initiating a differential action of said rolls after delivery by said delivery means of a predetermined number of stamps, and a yieldable coupling between said roll operating means and said delivery gripping rolls.

39. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding means including gripping rolls, means iiicluding gripping rolls for delivering stamps to said first mentioned gripping rolls from a stamp strip, means for operating said rolls,

means for initiating a difierential action of said rolls after advancement by said delivery means of a predetermined strip length so as to effect detachment of one or more stamps, and a yieldable coupling between said roll operating means and said delivery gripping rolls.

it). in a machine of the character de-- feeding.

scribed in combination stain means including gripping rolls, means in cludin g gripping rolls for delivering stamps for operating said rolls, means for effecting a differential action of said rolls after delivery by said delivery means of a predetermined number of stamps, means for feeding an envelope in said machine, and means 0perated automatically for initiating said differential action, said initiating means becoming inoperative when the envelope is fed from the machine.

42. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stamp feeding cans including gripping rolls, means including gripping rolls for delivering stamps 'to'said first mentioned gripping rolls from stamp strip, means for operating said rolls, means for effecting a differential action of said rolls after advancement by said delivery means of a predetermined strip length s as to effect detachment of one or more stamps, and means for feeding an envelope in said machine, and means operated automatically for initiating said differential action, said initiating means becoming inoperative when the envelope is fed from the machine.

48. In a machine of the character de- 'ibed, in combination, means for gripping and feeding stamps, means adapted to grip the stamps of a supply strip and deliver them to said feeding means, means for.

effecting differential feeding operation of said feeding means and said delivery means to exert a pull upon said supply strip at intervals, thereby to detach a stamp or stamps therefrom, and means to control said differential operation to vary the number of stamps detached at each interval.

114. In a machine of the character described, in combination, feeding means for gripping and advancing a supply strip of stamps, delivery means for gripping and advancing the supply strip and operating to deliver stamps to said feeding means,said feeding means and said delivery means being normally operative to advance the stamps at the same rate, power connections including a slip clutch for operating said delivery means, a detent. mechanism for retarding operation of said delivery means while thepower connections remain opera- .tive tending to operate the delivery means .bnt permitting the retardation through said slip clutch, and electromagnetic means for automatically controlling said detent mechanism to effect retardation of the delivery means after the stamp strip is gripped by both of said gripping means thereby exerting a pull upon said supply strip to detach a stamp or stamps therefrom.

45. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a stamp delivery device, rolls for gripping and advancing a strip of. stamps, means for operating said rolls to advance said strip, a detent mechanismto check operation of said rolls after a predetermined movement thereof while said detent mechanism thereby to vary th extent of said predetermined movement before the checking means takes effect.

46. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a stamp delivery device, rolls for gripping and advancing a strip of stamps, means for operating said rolls to advance said strip, a toothed detent WllGGl, a detent engageable with said wheel to check movement of said rolls after ad-. vancement of a predetermined length of stamp strip, and a toothed member mounted adjacent said detent Wheel and movable to cooperate with said detent to check movement ofsaid rolls after advancement of a predetermined length of stamp strip.

47. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a stamp delivery device, rolls for gripping and advancing a strip of stamps, means for operating said rolls to advance said strip, a detent mecha nism including a pawl and toothed detent members with different numbers of teeth, said detent mechanism being adjustable to check operation of the rolls after variable predetermined lengths of stamp strip have been advanced.

4.8. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stamp affixing mechanism including a moistening member for contacting with a marginal strip of the gummed surface of the stamp, a flexiblev member positioned to avold contact Wltll said moist-ening member and extending entirely across the stamp to grip and carry the same into contact with said moistening member, and a pressure member for holding said marginal strip in close engagement with said moistening member.

4-9. In a' machine of the character described, ,in combination, mechanism including a'moistening member having spaced moisture carrying surfaces for contacting with spaced margiualstrips of the the gummed surface of a stamp, a

stamp-carrying wheel and cooperating belt for grlpplng the stamp between said mar ginal strips and carrying it into contact with said moistening surfaces, and spring pressure plates for engagement with the stamps to press said marginal strips into close en-- gagement with said moistening surfaces.

50. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for stamping thereon, and driving means controlled by said article for starting and stopping said advancmg means.

51. In a machine of the character dc scribed, 1n combination, means for perfornr' stamp affixing ing an operation onan article of mail matter or the like, feeding mechanism for advancing the article in the machine, a driving motor for said feeding mechanism, and means operated by an article for controlling operation of said feeding mechanism through control of said driving motor.

52. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for performing an operation on an article of mail matter or the like, means for expelling said article from the machine upon completion of an operation thereon, a driving motor for said machine including said expelling means, means operated by said article for starting said driving motor and continuing the same in operation until operation on the article is completed, and means for stopping said motor upon expulsion of the article.

In a control for machines adapted to perform an operation on an article, power transmission connections for transmitting power for operation of the machine, means operated through the power connections for expelling an articleupon completion of an operation thereon, means for rendering said connections operative to start the machine by introductionthereinto of said article and continuing operation of said machine until the operation on said article is comtransmitting connections for transmitting power to operative elements of the machine, means controlled by an article when introducedinto the machine torender said connections operative to start the machine and continue it in operation until the oporation on said article is completed, means for expellingthe article from the machine and means controlled by an article upon expulsion thereof to render said connections inoperative to drive the machine,

56. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for sealing an envelope, means for driving said feeding means, and means controlled by the envelope for maintaining said driving means operative nu til the sealing means has performed its function. 7

57. In a machine of the character described, in combination, envelope feeding means, means for sealing an envelope,

means for driving said feeding means, and In testimony whereof I affix my signature, automatlc means for controlling sald ClIlV- 1n the presence of two Witnesses. mg means so as to lnltlate a cycle of operation of the feeding means, said controlling MAXWELL VIDAVER means acting also to maintain operation Witnesses: during the cycle and to discontinue 0pera- C. W. WEEKS,

tion upon completion thereof. M. A. CASI-IIN. 

